Free Bible Commentary
“Colossians 2:1-5”
Categories: Colossians“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.”
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Paul experienced great external and internal “struggle” (verse 1) on behalf of his brethren as he fought for the truth of the Gospel. Paul earnestly contended for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints (Jude 1:3), and he willingly and daily confronted the enemy of sin and doctrinal error. He was obviously troubled over the false teaching that was threating the security and unity of the Christians in Colosse, and he expressed this internal struggle by writing of His concern for them and by taking it to God in prayer on their behalf.
The disclosure of Paul’s daily struggles is a clear attestation to the very real and serious dangers that moral transgression and the “persuasive argument” (verse 4) of false teaching present. Anyone or anything that stands in opposition to God and His will for His people is a source of stumbling and falling short of the salvation that Jesus died to make available. The only ways to combat wickedness and lawlessness is by learning, living and teaching the pure, unadulterated truth, and by petitioning God for the wisdom and understanding of the ones who are teaching and hearing it.
Teaching the Gospel truth is also the only way for the hearts of brothers and sisters in Christ to be “knit together in love” (verse 2). Paul tells us to speak the truth in love in Ephesians 4:15, and, in Christ Jesus, truth and love are inseparable companions. The only way for brethren to attain “the full assurance of understanding resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery” is that we all learn the same, absolute truth that produces “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1), and to stand firmly together in our convictions for that truth and our love for one another. No amount of earthly wealth is worthy to compare to the true “treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (verse 3) that can only be found through Christ and His word and His church.
Please read Colossians 2:6-9 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
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